“So far the Workboat Academy graduates that I have worked with have been excellent. Their course curriculum and ample entry level work experience while attending school combine to produce the most finished product that I have sailed with as of yet.”--Captain Mike Leslie

Admissions Requirements

Education

A High School Diploma or approved equivalency is required for the Workboat Academy Program.

Age

The Workboat Academy is open to anyone that is qualified for the position. The program is physically demanding with long arduous hours. Anyone in good health, and able to meet the job description, will be given the exact same consideration. It should be noted, however; that one of the primary reasons for the establishment of the Workboat Academy was due to an aging workforce. Please note that per 46 CFR 11.201(e) no officer endorsement may be issued by the USCG to a person who has not attained the age of 21 years. Since the program takes two plus years we cannot admit anyone under the age of 19 in the program.

No DUI

Canadian law defines a DUI a federal offense and will not admit those with DUIs into the country. Because of this, the Workboat Academy is unable to accept applicants with DUIs, regardless of how long ago the offense occurred, into the Baltimore or Seattle programs. Acceptance of applicants with DUIs in the New Orleans program is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Basic Math Entrance Exam

Administered by The Workboat Academy, applicants are provided with a practice workbook to prepare for the exam. Passing score is 85% or higher.

Able to pass the Partner Company’s Physical Exam

Each Partner Company has different requirements which may exceed the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) physical exam.

Eligible for an American Passport

The Workboat Academy provides training to obtain Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW) endorsement. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (a.k.a. The Jones Act) does not allow non-United States citizens to obtain OICNW endorsement.

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is a required document for every Merchant Mariner. In order to obtain an MMC, the applicant must complete an enrollment form (CG-719B) and pass a USCG-approved physical exam (CG-719K), including a drug test. Please use the following links to download these forms:

(e)* Age. Except as specified in this paragraph, no officer endorsement may be issued to a person who has not attained the age of 21 years. The required evidence of age may be established using any of the items submitted to establish citizenship set out in 49 CFR 1572.17.

How do I enroll

For further information and to start the process, complete and submit the Inquiry form on the ‘Contact Us’ page on this website.